Steve Smith becomes third player with 3,500 runs in Ashes
What's the story
Stand-in captain Steve Smith led Australia to an eight-wicket win against England in the 2nd Test at The Gabba, Brisbane. He hit the winning runs as the hosts chased down a nominal 65 to win the pink-ball Test. Smith, who earlier shone with a first-innings half-century, also completed 3,500 runs in The Ashes. He became only the third player to achieve this feat.
Milestone
Third-most runs in Ashes
As mentioned, Smith has become only the third player with 3,500 runs in The Ashes. He is only behind Australia's Sir Donald Bradman (5,028) and England's Jack Hobbs (3,636). In 39 Ashes games, Smith now has 3,520 runs at an incredible average of 55.87. His tally includes 12 tons, the joint second-most in the Ashes with Hobbs. The duo is only behind Bradman (19).
Information
Who all follow Smith?
According to ESPNcricinfo, only three players have more than 3,000 runs in The Ashes - Allan Border (3,222), Steve Waugh (3,173), and David Gower (3,037). Among active players, England's Joe Root follows Smith with 2,589 runs.
Numbers
Ashes numbers: Home vs away
During the Brisbane Test, Smith also completed 1,500 runs in The Ashes at home. In 20 home Tests against England, the Aussie batter has racked up 1,520 runs at an average of 54.28. He owns 5 tons and 6 half-centuries in this regard. In 19 Tests in England (Ashes), Smith has 2,000 runs at an even better average of 57.14 (7 tons).
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Record-breaking 2019 Ashes
Smith shattered plenty of records in the 2019 Ashes in England. He hammered 774 runs from four Tests at 110.57, the fifth-most for a batter in an Ashes series. Smith slammed 3 tons and as many half-centuries in just seven innings.
Milestone
Over 10,500 Test runs for Smith
Smith shone with scores of 61 (85) and 23* (9) in Brisbane. During the match, Smith became the fourth Australian with 10,500-plus runs in Tests. Having played 121 matches, Smith has completed 10,580 Test runs at 53.80. His record includes an impressive 36 centuries and 44 half-centuries. Root is the only active batter with more Test runs than Smith.